Queer Romance Scores in this Women’s Football Graphic Novel
In Florrie, Anna Trench crafts a heartfelt and vivid graphic novel that breathes life into a chapter of football history too often overlooked. Trench’s talent as both illustrator and writer shines through on every page, capturing the energy of the pitch and the tangled emotions of a young woman discovering herself amid the roar of the crowd and the quiet of hidden letters. The story unfolds as Florrie’s great-niece, rooting through boxes in a dusty attic, stumbles upon the remnants of her great-aunt’s secret life—a life spent breaking boundaries in the early days of women’s football, when the sport was both celebrated and condemned. Trench deserves particular praise for the authenticity she brings to Florrie’s world. Through detailed panels and expressive characters, she evokes the excitement of packed stadiums in London and Preston, the glamour of Parisian nights at Le Monocle, and the ache left by the FA’s infamous 1921 ban. The novel balances history and fiction with grace, weaving in real-life events and places and giving Florrie’s journey a sense of both possibility and poignancy. Trench’s research is evident, but it never weighs down the narrative—her affection for the game and its unsung heroines is infectious. Trench's research is evident, yet it never overpowers the narrative—her love for the game and its unsung heroes is contagious.osphere feels bright with the promise of liberation, even as characters face social prejudice and personal setbacks. Trench’s illustrations are full of movement and charm, making each scene feel intimate, whether it’s a muddy match in Norfolk or a stolen moment in a Parisian dance hall. This is a celebration not just of football, but of courage and love in the face of adversity. The book Trench’s debut is a triumph, shortlisted for both the First Graphic Novel Award and the LDComics Award, and rightly so. With Florrie, she stakes her claim as a powerful new voice in both comics and sports writing. The book is a love letter to the women who played, cheered, and fought for the right to belong on the pitch—and to the families who keep their stories alive. Anyone who cherishes football, queer history, or simply a beautifully told tale will find much to admire in Trench’s work. ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Publisher: Jonathan Cape Published: June 19, 2025 Hardcover: 192 pages ISBN-10: 1787335666 ISBN-13: 978-1787335660 Dimensions: 173 x 246 (mm)
